October 14, 2020

It's Tough to Change the Minds of 'Vaccine-Hesitant' Parents, Study Finds

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 14, 2020 -- When parents have concerns about the safety of childhood vaccinations, it can be tough to change their minds, as a new study shows.

The study involved "vaccine-hesitant" parents -- a group distinct from the staunch "anti-vaxxer" crowd. They have worries about one or more routine vaccines, and question whether the benefits for their child are worthwhile.

October 12, 2020

Kids' Hospitalizations Accompany Rising Unemployment Rates: Study

FRIDAY, Oct. 9, 2020 -- COVID-19 has led to widespread job loss in the United States. And now a new study reports that when unemployment rates rise, so do hospitalizations of children.

For the study, researchers analyzed 12 years of data (2002 to 2014) from 14 states. They found that for every 1% increase in unemployment, there was a 2% increase in child hospitalizations for all causes, among them diabetes and poisonings.

September 29, 2020

1 in 3 U.S. Parents Won't Get Flu Shots for Their Kids: Survey

MONDAY, Sept. 28, 2020 -- The coronavirus pandemic and the upcoming flu season could pose a double threat, but many U.S. parents plan to skip flu shots for their kids, a new survey finds.

Though public health experts stress the need for people of all ages to get the seasonal flu vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic, 1 in 3 U.S. parents said they don't plan on taking their child for a flu shot this fall. Just a third think having their child get vaccinated is more important than usual this year.

September 21, 2020

How to Help Ensure Your Students Get Enough Sleep

SUNDAY, Sept. 20, 2020 -- Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. parents say their children don't get enough sleep on school nights, an American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) survey finds.

It included more than 1,000 parents across the country with children between ages 5 and 18. Parents reported that early school start times (40%), homework (39%), sports (34%) and social media (33%) have a significant impact on the kids' ability to get enough sleep on school nights.

September 17, 2020

Are At-Home 'Learning Pods' the Right Fit for Your Family?

MONDAY, Sept. 14, 2020 -- Emily Davis and her husband started a "learning pod" with another family this summer, hiring a teacher for child care and now for the start of first grade. Their 6-year-old son is an only child, which was a big factor in the decision. The other family has two kids.

"It might be a full school year [of distance learning]. Then it's really just not OK for an only child to see no other children or interact with other children for a full year," explained Davis, who lives in Corvallis, Ore.

September 8, 2020

COVID-19 Precautions Extend to Car Seats, Seat Belts

FRIDAY, Sept. 4, 2020 -- Face masks and hand-washing are a good start, but to protect your kids from the coronavirus you'll need to up your game on the road, too, a leading pediatricians' group says.

There are a number of things parents should do to protect children from COVID-19 infection when they're traveling in cars or using other types of transportation, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).